Commentary for Romans 16

The apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends there. (1-16) Cautions the church against such as made divisions. (17-20) Christian salutations. (21-24) The epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God. (25-27)1-16 Paul recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had been helpful to many; he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Though the care of all the churches came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations to each, with particular characters of them, and express concern for them. Lest any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in the close, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of Christ.

17-20 How earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound doctrine of the Scriptures, opens a door to divisions and offences. If truth be forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many call Christ, Master and Lord, who are far from serving him. But they serve their carnal, sensual, worldly interests. They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart; perverting the judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common policy of seducers to set upon those who are softened by convictions. A pliable temper is good when under good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore, faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who can prevail against us?

21-24 The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of our kindred. Not many mighty, not many noble are called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it were to be wished that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were bestowed upon prudent and steady Christians.

25-27 That which establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. Our redemption and salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, are, without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. And yet, blessed be God, there is as much of this mystery made plain as will bring us to heaven, if we do not wilfully neglect so great salvation. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, and the Sun of Righteousness is risen on the world. The Scriptures of the prophets, what they left in writing, is not only made plain in itself, but by it this mystery is made known to all nations. Christ is salvation to all nations. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes by the grace of faith. All the glory that passes from fallen man to God, so as to be accepted of him, must go through the Lord Jesus, in whom alone our persons and doings are, or can be, pleasing to God. Of his righteousness we must make mention, even of his only; who, as he is the Mediator of all our prayers, so he is, and will be, to eternity, the Mediator of all our praises. Remembering that we are called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God, we should, by word and deed, render glory to him through Jesus Christ; that so the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.

Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.

Discussion for Romans 16

ROMANS 16:17 now I beseech you brethren mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them PHILIPPIANS 2:21 for all seek their own not the things which are JESUS CHRISTS JOHN 6:63 it is the spirit that quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing the words that -- I speak -- unto you they are spirit and they are life

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, We must read all Paul's mysteries in order to understand the Grace age of the Jesus Christ our Lord in the Body of the Church. MYSTERIES

ROMANS 16:26 BUT NOE IS MADE MANIFEST AND --- BY THE SCRIPTURES --- OF THE PROPHETS ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT OF THE EVERLASTING GOD MADE KNOWN TO ALL NATIONS FOR THE --- OBEDIENCE --- OF FAITH 1 THESSALONIANS 5:21 PROVE ALL THINGS HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD MARK 10:18 AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM WHY CALLEST THOU ME GOOD THERE IS NONE GOOD BUT ONE THAT IS GOD

Butch, many are made Christians by taking Christ as personal Saviour. Shouldn't be sad for you that others are saved. Living in victory. Don't try to limit the Lord by your understanding alone. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are limitless in scope and action. Man tries to limit the work of the Saviour. He'll do as is needed to keep souls out of the fire. Victorious living. GBU

Romans 16:25 " The mystery" is refered to as when Paul was with Jesus for over 3 years in the desert learning about what to teach the Gentiles regarding their new salvation found in Christ. God knew about this from the beginning of time and it was hid from mankind until this period of time with Paul

I agree with Sylvia of 7 mos. ago to J. Thomas. But, to take it further - Acts 14:18 - " ... scarce restrained the people from doing sacrifice to them". I know that's not verbatim, but the sense is there. So-called 'saints' in some churches have candles lit to them and prayers to them - in that saints name , which is un-biblical. A true saint does not WANT to be worshipped. They are - humble .

Vs. 1-2; At least in the KJV Phebe is NOT said to be a 'deacon'. Deacons were for men only. Phebe was called a 'servant' - which any true Christian is. She is noted in particular because - at that time there was very little available help for the church, and these 'noted' ones put themselves out there for Christ's sake, to do what they could, but they weren't any 'higher' in respect than any saint